Atomizer



p CA E. ZIEGLER April 19, 1932.

ATOMI ZER Filed Jan. 16, 1951 III g mvENToR @la/n: fjiY-n.

WITNES SES Patented Apr. 19, 1932 UNITED STATES arsNr OFFICE CHARLES E. ZIIlCu'rLEIR, 0F PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO CLINICAL SUPPLIES, INCORPORATED, 0F IEI'IIISIBURGI-I,V PENNSYLVANIA, A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE ATOMIZER Application inea January 1e, 1931'. serial No. 509,184.

rIhis invention relates to devices for spraying bodily cavities with liquid medicaments, and especially to atomizers for use in sterilizing or otherwise treating the vagina.

It is now generally understood that the vagina usually contains pathogenic bacteria which may find their way into open wounds and abraded surfaces of the genital canal during and following childbirth. The infections arising in this manner are frequently followed. by invalidism or death. Such infections frequently follow in operative cases where the hand of the operator or his instruments are passed through the infected vagina into the uterus.

In order to reduce mortality due to childbirth a liquid germicide, such as mercurochrome, has been instilled into the vagina during labor, to destroy the micro-organisms referred to. This practicel has aorded striking results, in that it has reduced the percentage of infection following childbirth, with consequent reduction in mortality. This practice, however, is subject to a number of disadvantages which adversely affect its eflicacy. For example, there is no assurance that the mere instilling of a liquid into a bodily'cavity, such as the vagina, will cause the germicide to reach all portions ofthe tissues therein. Evidently, if all of the tissue surface is not reached there is still chance for infection. This practice also requires the Vuse of a relatively large amount of liquid, the excess of which must be removed by retracting the opening of such cavity and absorbing the excess, as by mopping with sponges or cotton. Such procedure requires time, additional operating steps, and is wasteful of the antiseptics used. Y

Prior to my invention it was not possible to use atomizing devices for this purpose, because the vagina and similar cavities have but a single opening to the atmosphere, rand the back pressure quickly built up to a point where spraying ceased. Y

The chief objects of this invention are to provide a spraying device for applying liquid medicaments to bodily cavities, which is elicient, simple, sturdy, easily sterilized and used, effectively covers all parts of all of the tissues within such cavities, may beused either by physicians and surgeons or by unskilled VFigf a vertical section through the device taken on line III-III of Fig.2. i

rThe apparatus provided. by this invention comprises an atomizer tip of conventional form in combination with a tip-enclosing cap member adapted to be inserted into a cavity to be'treated, and provided with means to relieve back pressure created in spraying. In the preferred embodiment the cap forms an annular space around the tip through' whichpressure is relieved through openings disposed at the rear of the cap. Preferably also the cap projects somewhat beyond the extended end of the tip, and is maintained in co-axial alignment therewith.

The invention may be embodied in various ways, but I now prefer to use the construction represented in the accompanying drawings. As here shown, the device comprises a conventional atomizerhead 1 having a connection 2 to a source of air or other gas under pressure, an elongatetubular atomizer tip 3, and a branch tube 4L which feeds liquid to tip 3 from a container 5 to which the head is applied. These structures are well known in the art and require no further detailed deseription or illustration.

rihe cap shown comprises a forward substantially cylindrical tubular body portion which surrounds and is spaced from tip 8 to form an annular space .6a. This portion is joined to an intermediate hollow portion 7 of substantially larger diameter, having in its rear wall one or more perforations 8.

-hese.perforations provide for relief tothe atmosphere through annular space 6a of pressure in a cavity into which the device has been inserted for spraying. The rear or base portion of the cap includes a sleeve member 9 joined to intermediate portion 7. The bore 9a of this sleeve is adapted to make a snug sliding fit with a substantial length of tip 3, as best shown in Fig. 1. The longitudinal axis of this sleeve corresponds with that of thebody portion, so that the cap is held co-axially of tip 3.

In order to simplify the manufacture and handling of this cap, it is preferred to form it in two parts as shown in the drawing. The forward part most suitably includes body portion 6, and the rear or base portion comprises sleeve 9. vThe rear end of portion 6, and the forward end of sleeve 9 are provided with flanges 10 and 11, respectively, having screw threads 12 for connecting the two Y parts. When the front and rear sections are connected, these flanges then form intermediate portion 7.

As shown in Fig. l, the cap is applied to an atomizer head by inserting tip 3 in sleeve 9 and sliding the cap to the rear of the'tip, The device is then ready for use. The eX- tended engagement of the tip by sleeve 9 eliminates all tendency toward wobbling or looseness of the cap. The cap may be, and preferably is, held in position by means of U-shaped spring clip 13 disposed about head 1 and held in position by a nut 14. The arms l5 of the clip are provided with grooved portions for engagement in complementary grooves and projections formed in sleeve 9, as seen in Fig. 1. This type of spring connection satisfactorily holds the cap in place in use, and provides for ready assembly or disassembly of the structure without the use of tools.

In order to prevent damage to the tissues by tip 3, body member 6 preferably extends somewhat beyond its forward end. The front end of the cap is rounded and reduced in section somewhat, so as to permit it to be passed readily through the opening of the cavity to be treated. The cap may be formed of any suitable rigid material, it is now preferred to use molded plastics, such as the phenol-formaldehyde resins.V These materials may be molded readily to any desired shape, they are light, strong, rigid, resistant to the action of'chemicals, and the processes of sterilzation, including boiling, do not inj ure them.

The use of the device may be described in connection with the treatmentof the vagina, for example to destroy pathogenic bacteria during childbirth, or for medication in other instances. The liquids used'in all such cases are designated generically herein as liquid nfiedicaments.V The benefits to be derived through the use of the device provided by this invention may be, understood through its application during childbirth, to which it is particularly adapted.

A solution of a suitable medicament, such as mercurochrome, metaphen, or pyridium or mollophene, is placed in container 5, which is connected to a source of air pressure, for example an atomizer bulb, or compressed air. After labor has begun, but before delivery has started, spraying is commenced, the spray being directed over the external regions contiguous to the vagina. When these parts have been covered, the cap is inserted into the vagina and spraying is continued while moving the cap repeatedly in an inward and outward direction.

Vhen the cap is inthe vagina the air which separates from thc atomized liquid escapes freely to the atmosphere through annular space 6a, and openings 8. Thus there is no building up of back pressure in the vagina, so that this disadvantage which characterized prior devices and prevented their use for this purpose, is overcome. Also, the action of the cap is to cause the atomized liquid'to reach and cover every portion of the tissues in the vagina, so that all portions are treated. lVhen the container has become empty through spraying the vagina, the cap is withdrawn and moved over the previously sprayed exterior regions, while continuing the air pressure. This rapidly dries the antiseptic on the exterior regions.

For use in treating the female genital organs it is preferred to make the tubular body portion of relatively large diameter, and of gradually increasing cross section from the tip rearwardly so that it expands the opening of the vagina whenl inserted, and separates the tissues when moved therein. I have found that a cap having a front section 4% inches in length, which is A inch in diameter at its forward end, 7/8 inch in diameter adjacent its anged rear end, and having its expanded flanged end 2 inches in diameter, is fully satisfactory.

Exceptionally small amounts of antiseptic are needed to thoroughly cover all of the tissues in the genital canal, as well as a sufficiently large area of the external regions. For example, actual tests have shown that one ounce of solution is adequate for this purpose.

It will appear to those skilled in the art that the use of this device assures full coverage of every portion of the tissue in the genital canal, providing effective medication or sterilization, as the case may be, because spraying is effective for this purpose. This action is enhanced by the cap, which separates the walls of the vagina, so that the spray can reach all portions. This is much more efficient than by instilling a liquid as such. Because effective atomization is provided, eX- cesses of Vliquids are avoided, the apparatus thus affording substantial economy or" these medicaments. Also, the use of retractors or specula to open the vagina, and mopping of excess liquid which have characterized prior procedures of this type are eliminated. F urhermore, the device may be used efficiently and readily, not only by skilled. operatives, but also by those having no skill in surgical matters, for example for home medication. Other advantages will be understood by those skilled in the art.

According to the provisions of the patent statutes, I have explained the constructionV and mode of use of my invention and havev illustrated and described what I now consider to represent its best embodiment. However, I desire to have it understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be embodied otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described.

I claim: Y

1. In a device for continuously atomizing a liquid medicament within a body cavity having a single constricted outlet, such as the vagina, a portion to be inserted into the cavity comprising in combination a tubular cap member closed throughout its longitudinal extent and an atomizer tip disposed within and spaced from said cap to form an annular space therewith, the forward end of said cap extending beyond the end of said tip and being provided with an enlarged outlet opening for atomization from the tip, and the cap being provided with pressure-relief means connecting said annular space with the atmosphere to permit air separated from the liquid during spraying to escape from the cavity and permit continuousy atomization Within said cavity.

2. In a device for continuously atomizing a liquid medicament within a body cavity having a single constricted outlet, such as the vagina, a portion to be inserted into the cavity comprising in combination a tubular cap member closed throughout its longitudinal extent and having a cross sectional area adapted to separate thewalls of said cavity when inserted therein to permit free access of atomized medicament to every portion thereof, and an atomizer tip mounted coaxially within said cap and forming an annular space therewith, the forward end of said cap extending beyond the end of said tip and having an enlarged outlet opening for atomization from the tip, and theouter'end of said cap being perforated to permit air separated from the liquid during spraying to escape through said annular space to the atmosphere and permit continuous atomization in the cavity.

3. A cap for use with atomizers in spraying a body cavity having a constructed outlet and walls which closely' approach one another, comprising a rigid elongate tubular forward member closed peripherally throughout its longitudinal extent and provided at its front end with an enlarged atomization outlet, and being of a cross sectional area adapted to separate the walls of said cavity to permit atomization onto every portion of its walls, and a base member connected to the rear end of said forward member and provided with a bore adapted to seat upon an atomizer tip inserted in the cap and to maintain it in coaxial alignment in said forward member, the base member being provided with an opening connecting the bore of the forward member with the atmosphere to prevent back pressure in said cavity during spraying and permit continuous atomization therein.

4. A cap for use with atomizers in spray-` ing a body cavity having a constricted outlet and walls which closely approach one another, comprising a rigid elongate tubular forward member closed peripherally throughout its longitudinal extent and provided at its front end with an enlarged atomization outlet opening and at its rear end with a flange of said member being adapted to form an annular passage around an atomizer tip inserted therein and having a cross sectional area adapted to separate the walls of said cavity to permit atomization onto every portion of its walls, and a base portion having an internal sleeve member surrounded peripherally with a flange having perforations aligned with the bore of the forward member, said flanges being provided with cooperating screw threads for connecting the forward and base members, said sleeve seating slidably upon a substantial length of said tip to hold itin coaxial alignment in the cap, and pressure due to atomization within said cavity being relieved through said annular space and perforations to permit continuous atomization.

5. A vaginal atomizer capable of continuous action comprising the combination with an atomizer head including an elongate atomizer tip, of a cap surrounding said tip and extending beyond its atomizing end, said cap comprising an elongate rigid tubular body member closed peripherally throughout its longitudinal extent and provided at its forward end with an enlarged outlet for atomization from the tip and terminating at its other end in a flange portion of substantially increased cross sectional area, the cap forming an annular space around the tip and having a cross sectional area adapted to separate the walls of the vagina to permit atomization onto every portion thereof, and a base member having a flange provided with a plurality of perforations connecting the bore of the body member with the atmosphere and also provided with a sleeve portion engaging a substantial length of the rear end of said tip and holding it in coaxial alignment in the cap, said flanges being provided with complementary screw threads for iso connecting the forward and base members, and air separated during spraying being released to the atmospherefrom the vagina through said annular space and perforations to permit continuous atomization.

6. A vaginal atomizer capable of contnuous action comprising the combination with an atomizer head including an elongate atomizer tip, of a cap annularly surrounding said tip and extending therebeyond at its forward end, said cap comprising an elongate rigid tubular body member closed peripherally throughout its longitudinal extent and having a cross sectional area adapted to separate the walls of the vagina and permit atomization onto every part of its Walls, the body member having at its forward end an enlarged opening for atomization from said tip and terminating at its rear end in a flange of increased cross sectional area, and a base member having a flange provided with a plurality of perforations connecting the bore of the body member with the atmosphere and having a sleeve portion snugly engaging a substantial length of the rear end of said tip and holding it in coaxial alignment with the cap, said flanges being provided with complementary screw threads for connecting the forward and base members, and a spring clip associated with said head engaging said base member to hold the cap firmly in position, air separated during spraying being released from the vagina'to the atmosphere through said cap and perforations to permit continu- Y* ous atomization.

In testimony whereof, I sign my name.

CHARLES E. ZIEGLER. 

